Dr Lara Shemtob Interviews Chief Medical Officer, Dr Andy Sproston

I caught up with Dr Andrew Sproston,  NHS-trained Consultant Occupational Physician and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Insight Workplace Health to talk about all things work, health, and Insight Workplace Health! Here are the highlights from our chat.

LS: Tell me about your career to date. How did you get into occupational health?

AS: I graduated from medical school in 2012 aiming for a career in surgery. Ironically, it was my own occupational health that changed my path! After longstanding leg problems, I realised that long hours standing in the operating theatre would be unsustainable. That’s when I started exploring different clinical careers.

I first spent some time in general practice training, which I enjoyed for its clinical variety, and then I moved into functional assessment, which I valued for its real-world context. When I discovered occupational health, it felt like the perfect combination of both.

LS: I agree with you, occupational health is a really applied way of practicing medicine. What else about occupational health appeals to you?

AS: Occupational health is unusual in being a medical specialty that’s not just about health. It brings together clinical practice, law, workplace dynamics, and collaboration with managers and HR. I enjoy the breadth of these challenges, all of which have a health angle where I can bring my clinical expertise to the table. 

From managing occupational asthma to preventing hand–arm vibration syndrome, the work is clinically impactful. You can change the course of someone’s health AND their career, and, by extension, their wider life. Supporting people to stay healthy and productive at work is incredibly rewarding.

LS: Yes, it also makes for variety in day to day practice! Where did you complete your specialty training and what sort of workforces have you supported?

AS: I was fortunate to complete CESR training in the Welsh NHS, serving a large and varied workforce. The busy service exposed me to a wide range of clinical cases and service challenges, including supporting a large NHS Trust to work safely during the covid-19 pandemic. I also got involved with the broader aspects of medical leadership, from audit and clinical governance to medical education.

I realise now more than ever, that these leadership skills are essential if occupational health is to meet rising demand. As the Welsh representative for the Faculty of Occupational Medicine, I get to work closely with colleagues on broader strategic priorities within the speciality in the UK and internationally.

LS: You must have learned so much both clinically and from a leadership perspective working within NHS OH during the covid-19 pandemic. What are you looking forward to working on at Insight?

AS: Before becoming Chief Medical Officer, I contributed to Insight’s medical leadership through clinical governance, audits, and supervision structures, all areas I now get to develop further.

I’ve also established a CESR specialty training pathway here, and our first candidate is already working towards consultant status. Developing talent is a priority for me, and Insight’s supportive, approachable culture makes it an ideal place for colleagues to build their careers. I’m proof of that! Insight actively encourages leadership from within.

LS: Certainly always great to hear about routes to CESR. Have you always practised in Wales?

AS: Yes, in fact I even completed my undergraduate medical training here. Wales offers a rich mix of industries, from heavy industry and manufacturing to tourism, which keeps my occupational health skills sharp.

The socioeconomic gradient here means occupational health can have a profound impact. I see on a day to day basis how good work can be the gateway to improving a person’s overall health and lifestyle, especially in areas of deprivation.

LS: Another advantage of staying in one place is contributing to a local community of practice. There’s always so much to learn from each other! What do you enjoy outside of work?

AS: Living in Wales means easy access to nature. Whether I’m out in the garden or exploring the countryside, I have always found being out in nature a great balance to my professional life!

At Insight Workplace Health, we’re proud to be a clinically led organisation where our leadership team works closely with clients, clinicians, and employees to shape the future of occupational health.

Meet more of our leadership team here

If you’d like to learn more about how Insight Workplace Health can support your organisation with tailored occupational health services, our team would love to hear from you.

Get in touch with us today here